Smartphone Apps

Smartphone APPS can compromise Kids data, FTS Says

The FTC is concern that many smartphone apps could be dangerous for students.  They collect information without notifying parents.  This information may be shared with others such as their whereabouts and phone number.   Some don’t provide a link to their privacy policy. 

Companies should not  track children.  Why are they building a database to pursue minors?  We know children have an ability to download Apps.  However, they should not be allowed to make a purchase, without parent consent.  Therefore, phones should have software to block children from engaging in some activity.  What do you think, should companies build a profile on minors?  Should we demand privacy rights to protect children?

By Todd Sperry

Source:http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/10/tech/apps-children-data/index.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_tech+%28RSS%3A+Technology%29

Stress

Help Students De-Stress for Success

Christopher Pepper is a ninth grade teacher in San Francisco.    He discussed stress and described how it may have a negative an impact on students in the classroom.   He stated that stress could cause health and problems.  He posted a video which showed how dangerous stress may be if left untreated. He talked about three solutions to reduce stress. 1.  Take a deep breath.  2.  Visualization, he asked students to think about place that is calm.   3.  Progressive relation, which involves low light and playing a recorded message from the health office. 

Teaching students about stress at an early age, will help them when they become adults.  Should educator teach students how to deal effectively with stress?

By Christopher Pepper

Source:

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/destress-for-success-christopher-pepper?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent+%28Edutopia%29

Worm

Mark Hachman posted in an article on December 10,  about Microsoft Outlook email and office program  which had a bug. Be careful, the worm can take over your computer.  Microsoft is working on a patch.  You may consider working on the guest account to help protect your computer.  Also, update the program on a regular basis.  This issue does not affect Word 2012.  What are you doing to protect your computer?

By Mark Hachman

Source:  http://readwrite.com/2012/12/10/alert-be-on-your-guard-against-microsoft-word-worms-in-your-email

911

911 Text Messaging Coming Service in 2014

          Have you ever text 911 during an emergency and did not get a response?  Well, this may change by May 2014.  According to Heather Kelly the four major cell phone companies will implement a plan, so anyone can text a message, when they are in a crisis.  This is advancement in technology.  Many people do not use landline phones any more specifically the younger generation.   As a result, of this change people will have access to a reliable emergency  system.                                                                                                                                                            

By:  Heather Kelly
Source:  http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/07/tech/mobile/fcc-carriers-announce-text-to-911/index.html

Tablets

Tablets Will Surge Beyond Projections, IDC Say

     Tablets sales are on the rise according International Data Corporation.  The company has predicted that sales shipment will be around five million.  The I -Pad is the hottest tablet.  However, people are also purchasing the Android tablets.  As a result, the tablet sales may reach 122.3 million.  Every home may have some type of tablet.  The tablets are light and convenient.  If you plan to purchase a tablet, check out all the brands including, Google, Microsoft, and Samsung. 

By:  Dan Rowinski

Source:  http://readwrite.com/2012/12/06/tablet-shipments-surge-above-projections-idc-says 

Copyright

Are your E-Learning Courses Going to Land You in Jail?

     Copyright is significant in the educational process.  The article addresses Microsoft policy, and Fair Use.  Tom argues that individuals should be careful when posting free images. He thinks you should pay for images and this may avoid copyright violations.  Students work on many projects that require visual content. Educators must teach students about copyright, provide them with a list of copyright friendly resources.

By Tom Kuhlmann

Source:  http://www.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/are-your-e-learning-courses-going-to-land-you-in-jail/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A

Father of the Internet: Why We Must Fight for its Freedom

The internet allows people to connect around the world.  Many countries block information that they don’t want their citizens to view.  According to the article, Vinton states approximately 42 countries filter content.  The government has imposed 19 new regulations which deter internet expansion.  The governments are afraid that individuals may criticize their life style.  They feel that the internet may spread unwanted propaganda.  As a result, the countries are trying to influence regulators at the International Telecommunication meeting in Dubai which will be held on December 3.   If the countries are successful, this would have an impact of Freedom of Speech, increase cost, and prevent individuals from being creative online.  What do you think?  Should countries censor content?

By: Vinton Cerf

Retrieved November 30, 2012

Source:http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/29/business/opinion-cerf-google-internet-freedom/index.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_tech+%28RSS%3A+Technology%29

The 3 Things you Can’t Do On Twitter

You may state your opinion on Twitter as long as it does not violate any of the three rules.  1.  You pretend to be someone else.  2. You can’t use derogatory language, or harass individuals.  3.  You can’t post confidential information.   Be careful when you post a message.  People may inform Twitter when you have not abided by the rules.  If this occurs Twitter may conduct an investigation, and suspend your account.  Teach students to follow the rules and their account will not be terminated.

By Adam Popesc

Retrieved November 29, 2012

Source  http://readwrite.com/2012/11/29/3-things-you-cant-do-on-twitter

YouTube on the Wii

YouTube on the Wii Another Step Towards the New World of TV

     YouTube is available on the Wii.  The App may be downloaded at the Wii Marketplace.  The App is different from the website, it’s fast and individual don’t have to spend a lot of time searching for videos.  Anyone can show their videos to family and friends. Many students have a Wii in their home.  It should be used for more than playing games.   Teachers could assign some educational videos for the students to view. I am working on a unit for Black History Month.  The students will be able to view these stories, and create their own videos.   YouTube is also on other gaming devices.  Technology is in the hands of students, and educators should use it  as a tool to support learning in the classroom.

By Christina Ortiz

Retrieved November 29, 2012

Source:http://readwrite.com/2012/11/29/youtube-on-the-wii-another-step-towards-the-new-world-of-tv

Creating a Culture of “Can”

This article explores “Can”.  Can is the ability of students to engage in self-determination, self-regulation, and meta cognition.  There are three ways to develop Can.  1.  The teacher model strategies that will be implemented.   Provide support to the students, and students later build self-efficacy.  2.  Create a culture which includes collaborative learning projects and recognize student’s success.  3.  Use a variety of materials, and make a real world connection.  When educators follow the steps of "Can"   many students will become self-sufficient learners.

Source:http://www.edutopia.org/blog/creating-a-culture-of-can-terrell-heick?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent+%28E

            By: Terry Heick

            Retrieved November, 20, 2012

 

How to Keep Marketing E-mails from Drowning your Inbox

If you want to get rid of unwanted emails, check the unsubscribe button.  You could also use swizzle.  Swizzle allows you to select which e-mails you want to keep or remove.  The e-mails may be arranged in a digest, and read according to how you schedule it.  This program support multiple digest, several e-mail providers like Google and Hotmail.  Swizzle scan you documents for solicitations and claim it don’t invade your privacy.

Source:  http://readwrite.com/2012/11/20/how-to-keep-marketing-emails-from-drowning-your-inbox

Free Resources

More Answers to your rapid E- learning Questions

The article discusses ways to acquire free e-tools.  Two sites to get images are fotolio and istockphoto.  Other ideas include creating your own works of arts, changing clip art. and downloading materials from the e-learning community.  The blog suggested that  Appsumo and mightly deals are sites for cheap resources. In addition, the article mentions several mic that may be used with e-learning and ways to create an interactive learning experience.

Source:  http://www.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/more-answers-to-your-rapid-e-learning-questions/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+RapidElearningBlog+%28The+Rapid+E-Learning+Blog%29

Retrieved November 23, 2012 

Supporting New Teachers to Make a Global Connection

     This article focused on new teachers making a global connection.  Michele Haiken discusses a three step plan to communicate around the world.  This plan included the teacher developing lesson plans with state standards.    It involved following blogs and joining professional organizations.  Also, creating a class Wiki, and using multimedia tools.  The webpage had links to resources to implement collaboration in the classroom.

By:  Lisa Michelle Dabbs

Source:  http://www.edutopia.org/blog/new-teachers-make-global-connections-lisa-dabbs?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewC

Bullying

     Kevin Curwick is a high school student in Minnesota.  Apparently, some students have posted negative comments on the social network Twitter.  Kevin found this behavior unacceptable.  Therefore, he was determined to make a good impression on Twitter.  He created an anonymous account, and posted positive messages.  Other people started tweeting kind words.  As a result, the negative comments have decreased.  Cyber bullying should not be tolerated under any circumstances.  People who tweet bad comments will be held liable for their actions.  How would you address cyber bullying?

Source:  http://www.edutopia.org/blog/osseonicethings-fighting-bullying-with-positivity-kevin-curwick?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium

Retrieved November 15, 2012

Thank a Student

     Give thanks to a student, that's exactly what Nicholas Provenzano suggested in his article.  If a student has performed well in the class the teacher should thank them. Learning a new task is not easy, it takes dedication and commitment.  Therefore, teachers should reward students who have done an outstanding job in the class. Provenzano believes that saying thank you is good modeling.  If the teacher is nice to the students, the students will show kindness to others.   Thanksgiving is coming soon and students would appreciate good feedback.

Source:  http://www.edutopia.org/blog/thank-a-student-nicholas-provenzano?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent+%28E

By N. Provenzano
Retrieved November 15, 2012

Code Literacy

Douglas Rushkoff  is an Educator who discusses code literacy.  He feels that students should be learning a programming language. He emphasize the fact that many students in other countries are being taught how to code.   He made some positive points about coding.  For example, students who can code develop their own websites and transform applications.  He stated that coding make individual’s value digital information. It helps people to become aware of how technology will be used in the future.

Rushkoff took some courses at the Codecademy.com .   He is in the process of making code classes available free for students.  What do you think?  Should students in the United States learn a programming language ?  Would programming knowledge help them compete in a digital society?

Source: http://www.edutopia.org/blog/code-literacy-21st-century-requirement-douglas-rushkoff?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Edutopia

By D. Rushkoff

Retrieved November 15, 2012

Online Schools

            This article discusses why online universities don’t measure up to traditional schools.  In fact many of the schools are not respected.  The article pointed out that a nonprofit organization such as the government would hire an individual from a prestigious school before they hire graduates from an online school.  This information disturbs me.  Students work just as hard online as they do in the classroom.  Students should not be criticized for participating in an online educational program.  Instead they should be respected for their achievements and academic success.

Source: http://readwrite.com/2012/11/09/online-universities-why-they-still-dont-measure-up 

By: C. Foster

Retrieved November 10, 2012

Homework

Donna Noll is a math teacher at Seminole High School in Florida.  She teaches algebra and calculus.  She posts the students homework on Facebook.   A live scribe pen is used to document the message, and then it is attached to a PDF.  This is an excellent way to motivate students to complete the assignment.  

Many students spend hours on Facebook daily.  Students can work together and solve the problems.  I never thought about using Facebook as an educational resource.  However, if this method produces positive results, I will invite students to be my friend.

Source:  http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/high-school-notes/2012/09/04/magic-pen-helps-high-school-teachers-dig-deeper-into-math-lessons

By Kelsey Sheehy

Retrieved November 10, 2012

Technology in the Classroom

This article discusses the role of technology in the classroom and how it impact traditional teaching.  According to Tuttle a teacher has decided to retire because of the district demand to integrate a math online program into the curriculum.  Making a transition into technology is a difficult task for some individuals.   An easy way to learn how to use multimedia tools is to view videos and practice.  Just go to YouTube and type your topic in the search box.  View more than one video.  For example, on an assignment I was trying to embed a picture from Flickr onto a Wiki page.  I followed the directions posted on BB, but the picture would not embed.  So, I went directly to YouTube and viewed a video.  Many people are visual learners, sometimes text along is not enough information to accomplish a task.  My advice to this teacher is to practice on a regular basis. 

Another, teacher is also frustrated about technology.  The teacher has to allow time for the students to practice drills online.  The teacher should take this opportunity to search for activities that would expand the content.  It’s a different way to learn.   I would prefer to practice online than write out each drill assignment.  This method may increase test scores.

Source: Teach & Learning

http://www.techlearning.com/default.aspx?tabid=67&entryid=5053

By Harry G. Tuttle

Retrieved November 9, 2012

Parents and Teachers

  Mark Phillips suggested that teachers and parents should become allies.   Every parent wants their child to receive the best education possible.  Therefore, teachers should reach out to parents.  Speaking from a parent perspective, I never received a positive phone call or letter from any teachers.  They usually complained about disruptive behavior.  A parent do not want to hear bad news constantly. Teachers, it would be nice to receive a positive letter.  For example, your child did an outstanding job on the science project.

Source:  http://www.edutopia.org/blog/parents-and-teachers-as-allies-mark-phillips?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent

By  Mark Phillips

Retrieved  October 31, 2012

Hurricane Projects

            

      Hurricane Sandy has caused many problems for the people on the East Coast.  It has also affected the Midwest.  This article talks about ways to teach about hurricanes.  It includes a video from Sesame Street.  I would use a KWL Chart and this video to introduce a lesson on hurricanes.  It was made for pre-school, but it could be used with students at the elementary level grades one through third.  The students could develop vocabulary skills, and expand their knowledge.  Check out this video and let me know what you think.  Be aware it is 14 minutes, enough time to capture the student’s attention.

Source:   http://www.edutopia.org/blog/hurricane-sandy-classroom-resources-matthew-davis?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNew

By Matt Davis

Retrieved  November 1, 2012

Happy Halloween

Halloween Math

     It’s Halloween; the students are happy and cannot focus on their assignment.  What should you do to get them back on task?  Take the opportunity to engage in storytelling.  First, the teacher will discuss the history of Halloween.  Second, have some of the students describe their costume, and tell why they selected it.  Take pictures and post them on the bulletin board.  The following day when the students come to class with a bag of candy do not take it.  Tell the students they will work in groups and create pictographs.  One member for each group will describe their graph to the class.  The teacher will assign a key for each pictograph.  Some of the students may decide to have a snack.  Remind them the purpose of this task is to engage in a math activity. 

Source:  http://www.loc.gov/folklife/halloween.html

By Jack Santino

Retrieved October 31, 2012

Apps for Learning

Martha Speaks Dog Party by PBS

     I haven’t used this App.  It supposed to develop vocabulary skills.  Many students do not read at grade level.   This may be a fun interactive tool for students to master comprehension skills.

Source:  http://www.edutopia.org

Incorporating mobile apps and web tools into the curriculum can be a gateway to student engagement.

BY S. JHOANNA ROBLEDO

October 25, 2012

Apps for Learning

     Nearpod is a PPT App that is designed for the I-Pad. It allows students to respond to questions.  This App will evaluate students’ knowledge; and let the instructor know whether or not the students are on target.  One positive feature about this App, it is free.  Check it out, you may want to use it  with  a new project.

Source:  http://www.edutopia.org

BY S. JHOANNA ROBLEDO

October 25, 2012

     Technology in K-12  schools   (I-Pad Mini)

     Will school districts purchase the I -Pad Mini for their students?  Many schools have invested in the I-pad 2-3 to enhance learning.   However, the new mini is expensive, the product cost $329.  The mini is fragile, and students may drop it.  If this occurs, it may be cheaper to replace, than have it repaired.   Let me know, if this  I-pad will benefit students in the classroom.   

     

   This product is not on my Xmas list.   However, it is convenient for traveling.  I travel often with my laptop, it is heavy and needs to be replaced. 

Source:   By Brandon Griggs, CNN

updated 3:08 AM EDT, Thu October 25, 2012 

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